Police stumble across drugs

A ROUTINE police matter became an unexpected drug bust when police discovered almost 670 cannabis plants growing in the back yard of a Turkey Beach home.

Police turned up to the Walden Court home about 5pm on Tuesday to get a witness statement for an unrelated matter, but instead discovered the plants growing under a shade cloth behind a shed at the back of the residential property.

What started as a simple matter then became a long night’s work.

Ranging in size from 20cm to 1.75m, the larger cannabis plants are believed to have been growing in the location for some time.

A majority of the smaller plants are believed to have sprouted from scattered seeds as a result of recent rain.

Miriam Vale Police Senior Constable Wayne Butcher said despite the large number of cannabis plants, it did not appear to be a professionally organised growing operation.

Senior Constable Butcher said the plants appeared to be for personal use only.

He said a 42-year-old man was helping police with their inquiries in relation to the growing of the cannabis plants.

“It was a bit of a surprise to find the plants there,” Senior Constable Butcher said.

“We were in the area to follow up on reports of hoons at Turkey Beach tearing up the place with skid marks.

“We went to look at the end of a cul-de-sac which had a number of skid marks and approach residents in Walden Court to try get some witness statements.”

What unfolded was a story of unexpected good luck for Miriam Vale police, but a highly bizarre case of bad luck for the Turkey Beach man.

Stumbling on the cannabis plantation, police left the scene with not one, but two crimes to investigate.

Late on Thursday afternoon, the man was issued with a notice to appear in court, charged with major production of a dangerous drug, possession of a dangerous drug and possession of a drug utensil.